Abortion services — Canterbury

To contact the gynaecology procedure unit (GPU), phone: 03 378 6386

Abortion services are offered at the gynaecology procedure unit, at:

Level 4, Riverside
Christchurch Hospital
2 Riccarton Ave
Christchurch

The decision to have an abortion is a personal choice. It can be a difficult or stressful time. It is important to have accurate information and support during this time, so you can decide what is best for you.

To find out about abortion services that meet your needs, you can talk to:

• us by calling the number above
• a healthcare provider like a GP or midwife
• Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (external link)
• DECIDE (external link).

Cost for New Zealand citizens and residents

Our abortion services are free for any pregnant person eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand. The service is available for people from Canterbury and also accepts referrals from the West Coast. There may be prescription fees and costs for ultrasound.

Cost for non-New Zealand residents

Call the Christchurch Hospital Patient Eligibility team for further information on 03 364 0092

Types of abortion

We provide surgical and medical (abortion pill) abortions. We will discuss the options available and help you decide which procedure is best for you. This can depend on:

• how many weeks pregnant you are
• any health conditions you have
• how far away you live
• your preferences.

DECIDE has detailed information on:

• abortion types
• when in your pregnancy different abortion types are available
• information about abortion
• access to abortion providers.

DECIDE (external link)

At your appointment

You are welcome to bring a support person with you to your appointment. A healthcare provider will meet with you to work out which procedure is best for you and to discuss any questions you have.

You will be offered free, confidential counselling. If you do not want counselling, you can still get it anytime in the future if you change your mind.

The length of time you will need to spend at the GPU depends on which type of abortion you are having.

If you are having a surgical abortion, you will usually have it at this appointment. If you are having a medical abortion (the abortion pill), you will take the first medication at this appointment.

After the appointment

If you do not have time to have the procedure on the day of your appointment or need more time to think over your decision, you are welcome to make a time to come back another day.

If you want to take your pregnancy tissue home with you, we can organise this. Talk to the counsellor or nurse.

If you require time off work, we can provide a medical certificate. This is signed by the doctor or nurse caring for you and does not contain any confidential information.

After a surgical abortion you cannot drive yourself home, due to the medications you have had. You need to arrange for someone to take you home. It is best to have a support person with you.

What to expect after an abortion — DECIDE (external link)

Telemedicine medical abortions

If you cannot come in for an appointment, it may be possible to do a telemedicine appointment.

DECIDE has detailed information about the process to follow.

Early medical abortion by phone service — DECIDE (external link)

Our responsibilities

We are required to provide abortion services under the Abortion Bill 2020.

You do not need a referral to get an abortion. Contact us to make an appointment. We will need your:

• date of birth
• address and contact phone number
• New Zealand residency status
• contact phone number
• emergency contact person's name and phone number.